Lotus is celebrating 50 years since the birth of its Hethel factory, a place that becamed famous for producing light and very fast cars. To properly celebrate the anniversary, the British manufacturer is introducing a special edition of the Elise. 

Based on the Elise Cup 250 launched earlier this year, the new Lotus Elise 250 Special Edition offers a supercharged 243 hp engine, a 0-60mph time of 3.9 seconds, and a unique, hand-finished interior.

Tipping the scales at just 899 kg, through the utilisation of advanced materials including carbon fibre and aluminium, the Elise 250 Special Edition remains true to the company’s motto: ‘Light is Right’.

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Powered by a supercharged, 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine, the Elise 250 Special Edition boasts 243 hp at 7200 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 3500 rpm and 5500 rpm. This, along with the car’s 899 kg kerb weight, contributes to the 270 hp/tonne headline figure.

A selection of finished carbon-fibre components come as standard, including a front splitter, rear wing, tailgate and front access panel.

Draped in a composite body and finished in one of four of the firm’s favourite colours, the Elise 250 Special Edition is limited to just 50 examples.